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Former Charlotte broadcast executive Wayne K. Brown, one of the most influential African-Americans in the radio business, lost his battle with liver cancer last weekend in Atlanta.

With more than three decades of experience across broadcasting and marketing, Brown, 55, was considered a true industry pioneer.

“Wayne was a wonderful human being,” said Catherine L. Hughes, chairperson and founder of Radio One, Inc. “He made you feel like you were the most important person in the world when you were with him.”

Brown, general manager at WPEG and WBAV from 1991-2000, was vice president and general manager of Radio One’s Atlanta market for eight years, was most recently the general manager of Atlanta’s Streetz 94.5 FM.

Brown also served as senior partner and associate publisher of Who’s Who publishing company. Prior to Radio One, he spent 13 years at CBS headquarters in New York City working for network TV and radio.

A recipient of numerous awards, Brown has a scholarship in his name at his alma mater, Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications, for minority students.

“They were particularly proud of his accomplishments,” Hughes said.

A native of Washington, D.C., Brown was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and 100 Black Men of America.

“We will truly miss his laughter, his smiles, and his joyful knowledge of the business,” said his longtime friend Tony Washington, vice president of corporate sales at Radio One.